Method for preventing plastic from hardening in a dispenser tip

Abstract

A method for preventing hardening of plastic material in a dispenser tip during periods of nonuse of the dispenser tip. The method involves providing a balloon around the dispenser tip, and then filling the balloon with plastic material.

We claim: 
     
       1. The method for preventing flowable plastic material of the type which cures when exposed to air from curing in a hollow tubular dispenser tip during periods of extended non-use of the dispenser tip comprising the steps of: a. providing an elastomeric balloon having an expandable main body portion and an expandable open-ended hollow neck communicating therewith;   b. mounting the neck on a dispenser tip with the dispenser tip extending into the main body of the balloon;   c. dispensing flowable plastic material from the dispenser tip into the main body thereby forcing the air therewithin radially outwardly;   d. continuing said dispensing of flowable plastic material until the main body is substantially filled with the outer end of the dispenser tip encased within the plastic material; and   e. curing the radially outward portion of the plastic material by means of the air trapped in the main body to form a protective outer shell sealing the center portion from the ambient atmosphere and inhibiting curing thereof.